AFCON 2015: Senegal and South Africa Share the Spoils in Mongomo Draw
Senegal and South Africa played out a 1-1 draw in an entertaining Group C encounter at the Africa Cup of Nations, with both sides finding the net in a lively second half.
After a goalless first period, it was Bafana Bafana who broke the deadlock shortly after the restart. A low cross from Thuso Phala, played in from the right, evaded everyone in the middle before Oupa Manyisa arrived unmarked at the far post to calmly slot the ball into the bottom corner past Bouna Coundoul.
Stung by the setback, Senegal upped the pressure and thought they had equalised shortly afterwards when a headed goal following a long free-kick from Pape Kouly Diop was ruled out for offside. Kara Mbodji had nodded the ball back across goal before it was turned in, but the flag was raised.
The Lions of Teranga did not have to wait much longer. From another Diop set-piece, it was Serigne Kara Mbodji himself who climbed highest at the far post, powering home a header off the underside of the crossbar to level the match.
Senegal continued to push for a winner, with substitute Dame N’Doye coming closest. The striker unleashed a fierce drive from the edge of the box, but South Africa goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane produced a superb diving save to deny him.
In the end, neither side could find a winner, and the match finished 1-1 — a result that keeps Group C wide open heading into the final round of fixtures.
Senegal remain well-placed with four points, while South Africa, still without a win, will need victory in their last match to have any hope of progressing.
